“Heeey, Dad?”
“What do you want?”
(In a rushed voice) “Can I join this one karate class? I got
this flyer at school and I think it would be super cool and please? And it
would be awesome? And pretty please with a cherry on top?”
(Dad views flyer)
“I’ll have to talk with you mom, but probably.”
This is how I imagine the start of what would become my way
of life began: an overly excited seven-year-old coming home from school asking
her dad if she could become a ninja, something straight out of the movies.
Over 17 years later and I’m stepping my big toe away from
theoretically opening my own place to actually starting a (test) class: eight
Sunday mornings introducing basic self-defense and traditional Okinawan karate
to potentially just one student.
I can’t help but wonder, “Where is my safety net?”
Where are my fellow instructors: Sensei Steve and Sensei
Brandon? Where are my upper-belt students: Patricia, Andrew or Robert?
The realization that to start something new, someone had to
decide to try is attacking me like an allergic reaction to peanuts. Yet, within
the same reflection, I also know I am ready. In spirit, those who have gone
before me are and will always be with me.
 |
| Sorry it's backwards. From Master Sharon English to my parents: (You guys are great. I appreciate your support and your friendship. You did a great job with the scorekeeping (and I know it was a lot of work). Jennifer did as superior job. Her positive attitude and willingness to try will help her excel in everything she does. It is a reflection of great parents. Thanks again. Sharon) - March 1999 |
As the seven-year-old naive child, I had a lot of learning to do, but looking back I can see
just how much support I had from others; people believed in me. I hope to be even half the person others were and still are to me.
Wish me patience and understanding,
Jenn
No comments:
Post a Comment